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National Safety Month: Work Ergonomically

The National Safety Council defines ergonomics as designing and arranging workspaces so people work efficiently and safely. Ergonomics is used to evaluate how you do tasks and to identify any risk factors that might lead to injury. Then, once identified, the next step is to find the best solution to eliminate risks or manage hazards.

We are an NSC member and make safety a priority everyday. In fact, it is a cornerstone of how we help our customers build safer communities, and safety plays into how we operate internally.

Tips for Working Ergonomically

For proper posture, adjust your chair so that your feet rest on the floor and your knees are level with your hips

More on posture: keep your body centered in front of your monitor and keyboard

For the correct ergonomic position, computer monitors should be about an arm’s length in front of you

Work smart: keep items you use regularly (phone, stapler, etc.) close to your body so you avoid unnecessary or awkward stretching

Arrange your computer mouse close to your keyboard, and keep your wrist relaxed when you use it

When you type, keep your wrists in a straight position. Avoid bending up or down, and consider using a wrist rest to help minimize stress

To avoid glare, keep the brightest light source in your workspace to the side of your monitor

Do not stay sedentary throughout the day! Take brief breaks to stretch and walk around regularly

If possible, vary your workday by spacing out different types of tasks

Inform your supervisor if you experience ergonomic discomfort on the job. If you experience repetitive pain, do not ignore it

Abstain from carrying items that are too heavy for you to manage. Seek help from others or use a cart or other tool

When possible, select tools that are ergonomically designed for comfort

Remember: lift with your legs and not your back

Maintain a clean, clear workspace and complete regular inspections

On-the-Job Injuries

The National Safety Council reported that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2015 31 percent (356,910 cases) of the total cases for all workers were musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as sprains or strains resulting from overexertion in lifting.